You have now reached a step where professional drawings and plans must be generated and ultimately submitted to the City. Apart from the location and offerings of your restaurant, perhaps nothing can help identify and appeal to your customers more than the design, feel, layout, and safety of your establishment.

With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a restaurant design professional to ensure compliance with all legal design and safety requirements. Doing so may ultimately save you considerable time and/or money. The Central Ohio Restaurant Association (CORA) is an excellent resource and can provide you with networking opportunities and a list of local consultants that will fit your needs and budget!

Additionally, your consultant will likely have significant experience with the building code and permissible designs, required safety elements, and experience on submitting compliant plans, and the other required permit documentation to the Department of Building and Zoning Services. Simply put, when inquiring into your consultant, ask whether they have dealt with the city before and know the various ins-and-outs of the process to save you time and money. This will likely ensure that you are open for business as early as possible.